Synology NAS Diskstation Warranty Review

Every so often you are faced with a situation having two potentials outcomes when it comes to hardware failure - It can go good or it can go bad. This short review outlines how Synology handles their warranty of NAS Diskstations.

Nikon 500mm F/5.6 PF ED Lens Review

In August 2018 Nikon announced the release of a compact super telephoto - the 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR Making this their second Phase Fresnel lens the first being the awesome 300mm PF PF/4. I am excited to see Nikon introduce this new prime lens at a sub 4k. Let's run through the technical details as it relates to weight, compactness, and sharpness. All of which are expected to be superior.

DJI Ronin SC Review

After buying my Nikon Z6 and discovered the very good video capabilities this mirrorless has I wanted to take advantage. After some research I decided to pick up the Ronin SC, the smaller version of the S with some pros and cons. Here is what I discovered.

DJI OSMO Pocket Review

There are a ton of videos and reviews of the DJI OSMO Pocket out there on the internet. Many were published days after the OSMO Pocket initial release. This review covers current improvements and legacy issues.

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro Review

For those who are a dedicated Macro Enthusiast a new lens from China is about to be released the Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro. Lets find out what is in store for those who are jumping in and making a purchase.

Nikon FTZ & Macro Lens Gap

As an avid Macro enthusiast I have enjoyed Macro Photography over the years. Now that I have converted to the Nikon Z system I realize the FTZ adapter has limits and noticed that Nikon does not have a macro S lens on the roadmap.

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens Review

Nikon had big shoes to fill with an updated 24-70 using the new Z mount. The DSLR f mount 24-70 has been renowned for it's versatility, weather resistance, clarity and sharpness. Does the new 24-70 f/2.8 S lens live up to he legacy? Lets find out.

Nikon 400mm f/2.8E ED VR FL Review

2019 update ... the The Nikkor 400mm 2.8 ed fl is an exceptional lens known for it's flexibility and amazingly sharp images. Lighter and more nimble than it's predecessors but all the while retaining and improving on an already great Nikkor 400 heritage, this lens will bring to the photographic market a continued, appreciated, and highly sought after photographic instrument.

Nikon 600mm f/4 vs Nikon 400mm f/2.8 vs 500mm

I have been a photographer for sometime now, a wonderful road to where I am today in respects to equipment and ability. DSLRs and now mirrorless manufacturing capabilities have put in our hands some of the most advanced cameras to date, notwithstanding the super spectacular lens designs coming from makers such as Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Tamron just to name a few. With so many choices out there it is no wonder we sometimes get wrapped around the axle trying to decide what to purchase.

Skylum Luminar 3 Review

Nikon Z7 Real World Review Z Series

Great News for Mirrorless Camera Fans! Nikon released their new Full Frame Mirrorless Z series camera, the next generation mirrorless camera - a new mirrorless camera system that will take photography into the next 100 years with A Nikon Full Frame Mirrorless, available now.

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Nikon Z7 & Z6 One Year Later

Well, it has been well over a year of using both the Nikon Z7 and Z6 and I wanted to share my experience with others who might be considering moving to a Nikon Z mirrorless or fellow users of the Nikon Z camera.

DSLR Nikon F Lens to Z Mirrorless Lens

Nikon Z System

Are you ready for the future of photography? I know I am, and being a Nikon user for many years I have high confidence the Z mirrorless system will be the system and here is why I think that. Read on....

On the Trail with a Nikon 300mm f/4 pf

Ultra Wide Angle Lens Fisheye

Are you considering a super wide angle lens or possibly a fish-eye lens for your photography bag? In this article I will cover information you may find useful for making a decision to purchase a super wide lens. We will dive into the awe inspiring wide angle lens, the super wide. Making a decision may be overwhelming which lens to invest your money into.

Summer Macro Photography

Going outdoors with your Macro Setup in the heat of summer can challenge even the most serious macro enthusiast. Here are some tips to help you survive and enjoy the hobby during hot humid summer months.

Joy of Summer

Summer is a wonderful time of year, birds are well established and most have raised at least one brood of chicks who by now have fledged and are now part of the echo system. During this time of year we endure the heat and humidity but also the emergence of beautiful summer flowers.

Summer Dragonfly

I was chilling this Saturday not motivated to do anything other than clear up some backlog on this site. The weather was going to be hot, humid and miserable and I had no inclination to go anywhere. Then I started to browse around and ran across a few Dragonfly images and realized I just don’t have enough!

Copy Data Between Two Synology NAS

Recently I had a failing drive in my primary Synology NAS. While I have a redundant system I did not want to take any chances of trying to replace the failing hard drive without a full backup of the data. This is the easiest method to copy folders over to another Synology NAS.

Perfect Panoramic Landscape and Equipment

Eastern Box Turtle of Occuquan

HELP SAVE MY LIFE! If you are reading this and live in North Virginia - send the Occuqan Wildlife Refuge an email and ask they NOT ALLOW TRAFFIC on park grassy trails during March - Jun due to turtles mating and laying eggs.

FACT: Occoquan issues special permits for autos that unknowingly CRUSH the turtles - Help stop the decline of this special creature!! email: potomacriverrefuges@fws.gov

Northern Mockingbird - Photography

Nikon 14-30mm f/4 S Lens

I made my pre-order for the 14-30mm f/4 S along with the 24-70mm f/2.8 S - I am most excited about Nikon's wide zoom 14-30mm f/4 lens because it offers me the widest angle I can acquire except for my F mount 8-15mm Fisheye. I love wide angle!

Top Tips in Street Photography

Joy of Bird Photography

How many times have you either wanted to take bird photos or tried and was disappointed in the results? My guess if you are like me you have had a few false starts and missed opportunities. Although bird photography is extremely rewarding it is also extremely challenging when out in the field. You need to be the master of the equipment you use, and knowledgeable of the birds themselves. Lets cover a few things that will increase your productivity.

Northern Cardinal - Photography

I am lucky to live in an area that has Northern Cardinals year round to perk up my backyard and when I go out for Bird Watchers day. These medium-sized birds frequent my backyard on a daily basis throughout the year and especially during the colder months when I put out food. Not too pushy at the feeder and shares the feeding areas with smaller birds without any fighting. If there is a perfect backyard bird the Cardinal just might be it.

Blue Jays Habits and Temperament

The Blue Jay is a loud active bird that frequents many backyards throughout the year. This article will detail my observations of the Blue Jays I know for several years. During these years some are departed and new arrivals have appeared. Join me on a quick read to as I share my observations of the wonderful Blue Jay.

Photography, Videography and Data Management

The age of digital information is fully underway and with all the digital media we produce comes decisions about what to do with it. Is it worth keeping for the long term and what needs to go bye bye. Me personally, I now take a more aggressive approach to my photo and video keepers - very unlike what I once did.

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Top Reviews

Nikon 400mm f/2.8E ED VR FL Review

2019 update ... the The Nikkor 400mm 2.8 ed fl is an exceptional lens known for it's flexibility and amazingly sharp images. Lighter and more nimble than it's predecessors but all the while retaining and improving on an already great Nikkor 400 heritage, this lens will bring to the photographic market a continued, appreciated, and highly sought after photographic instrument.

Nikon 600mm f/4 vs Nikon 400mm f/2.8 vs 500mm

I have been a photographer for sometime now, a wonderful road to where I am today in respects to equipment and ability. DSLRs and now mirrorless manufacturing capabilities have put in our hands some of the most advanced cameras to date, notwithstanding the super spectacular lens designs coming from makers such as Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Tamron just to name a few. With so many choices out there it is no wonder we sometimes get wrapped around the axle trying to decide what to purchase.

Nikon 200mm F4 Micro Macro Lens Review

The first thing you notice when you pick up the Nikkor 200mm F/4 Micro lens is its build quality, VERY solid. This type of lens build represents an era before plastics became standard fare. Holding this lens you know it is one of the best built Nikkor lenses ever and although this is one of Nikon's older lens with a long service life it is a premium Macro / Micro lens holding it's favor among macro enthusiast since its first release in 1993.

My passion is being outdoors with my camera. The TrueToad site extends to you the many hours and rewards that nature and wildlife bring. I offer these images, articles, and encouragement as my proof that Nature has a desire to thrive. What a...

Another wonderful find on YouTube is this channel in Thai – Although I don’t understand the language I have an appreciation for their travel VLOGs, food, and photography shoots and many bag reviews. Ben an G are tops.

Here in the North Continent Spring has finally arrived and am I stoked, My new Nikon D500 is now in my hands along with my work horse D810. So we ask ourselves how best to prepare and capture the magnificent beauty of the season? No right...

Most photographers have an objective to their pictures, It could be they intend only to capture the action in a ball game, others may wish to capture the essence of the person in a Portrait setting. Their picture will be the end product of...

7 Things Every Photographer Should Do

Be Prepared

Each of use want to make great eye catching photographs, we live for it. The reality is we may not be able to achieve greatness in every aspect of photography. Some people are blessed with a great location that is in line for their desire and maximizes their inner creativity. Others may need to seek areas that will sooth their quest while others have jobs doing what they love. Each of us want to explore what makes us take photographs and want to share them. In this age of instant digital everything, how do we capture the uniqueness of life, the people and surroundings of our ever changing world in ways that bring new perspectives of everything.

7 Photographic Legends

The Legends

Everyone has their favorite people in life, If you’re a sports fan then you may have a few players or coaches you admire and inspire you. Here in my world of photography, I have listed 7 individuals who have made me a better photographer and inspired me to get up and shoot. They are the best of the best.

7 Photography Tips and Tricks

Magic

Here are my super secret Tips and Tricks for Nature Photography out in the field, Please don't tell anyone I posted these for public use. - This is not about what to carry, batteries, supplies, etc, but how to be prepared; nature is just that and most times unpredictable.

7 Things Photographers Should Carry

The Essentials

Here are my essential items to carry on every photographic outing. Now one may argue why would I need a polarizing filter for an indoor shoot? Well you don’t in most cases, but having one in your carry bag will pay dividends one day. Also, to note is just use common sense and some of the items on my list are just that.